Final-squad-for-Kolkata

19 April 2008

Kolkata Knight Riders have an impressive line-up in the 14-member squad for the opening game against Bangalore Royal Challengers scheduled to take place at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on the latter’s home turf.

West Indian Chris Gayle, New Zealander Brendon McCullum, Aussies Ricky Ponting and David Hussey, and Pakistani Mohammed Hafiz will feature in the team which was announced on Wednesday.

Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar’s participation in the Twenty20 tournament is uncertain due to the ban imposed on him by Pakistan Cricket Board. The fast bowler will be able to play once the ban is lifted. Akhtar’s colleagues Salman Butt and Umar Gul are expected to join the team very soon.

Zimbabwean Tatenda Taibu has not been included in the final 14-member squad. The team was announced following a discussion between coach John Buchanan and skipper Sourav Ganguly.

Buchanan lauded Ganguly’s leadership skills and feels confident that his team will perform well.

"We have a good side with a good mix of youth and experience. Sourav is a very cool-headed captain. He is very experienced. We expect him to lead from the front," Buchanan told newspersons on Wednesday.

Commenting on domestic players Ashok Dinda and Laxmi Ratan Shukla, the coach said, "Ashok is a good bowler, and Laxmi a good all-rounder. After seeing them at the nets, I am pleased".

Meanwhile, Kiwi wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum expressed readiness to play at any position in the batting line-up as required by the team.

"I'm ready to bat at any number. If I'm asked to open the innings, I won't hesitate. At the same time, if I'm asked to come in the middle that, too, is fine with me."

McCullum considers having Ganguly, Buchanan and Ricky Ponting on one side should prove good to the team.

"Ganguly has steel. We have the experience of Ricky. John is very professional in his approach. Together they form a great combination which can spell magic," he said.

Team: Sourav Ganguly (captain), Brendon McCullum, Ricky Ponting, Chris Gayle, David Hussey, Mohammed Hafeez, Laxmi Ratan Shukla, Wriddhiman Saha, Ajit Agarkar, Ashok Dinda, Murali Kartik, Ishant Sharma, Debabrata Das and Iqbal Abdullah.